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PENMOUNT PCI UTILITIES USERS’ GUIDE
FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Version 4.0B
25/Nov/’16
i
Preface
Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties regarding the contents of this manual and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Furthermore, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication or make changes in the specifications of the product described within it at any time without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such revision.
Trademarks AMT is the registered trademark of Apex Material Technology Corp. PenMount is a registered trademark of SALT International Corp. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners and are acknowledged.
Copyright This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without the express written consent of the manufacturer.
© Copyright 2016 PenMount Touch Solutions
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Revision Table
Date Revision Changes
30/Sep/2014 2.0 Initial Release
16/Sep/2015 2.1 Add descriptions for Windows 10 support
Sep/23/2015 2.2 Textual refinement and editing
25/Jan/2016 3.01 Supported utility versions are listed in Chapter 1.
Descriptions for PCIScan is maintained in separate document
Add new chapter for PMToolKit
04/Jun/2016 3.1 (1) Revise 1.2 Supported Devices
(2) Add Chapter 5 PCIScan
12/Jul/2016 3.2 (1) Add section 1.4 special notices
28/Oct/2016 4.0 (1) Update information of PCIMSet V2.1
(2) Update information of PMUpdate V1.4
22/Nov/2016 4.0A Revised utility naming
25/Nov/2016 4.0B Revised 3.8 Command line support of PMUpdate
1 Reference guides for PCIUtility is maintained in separate document.
Table of Content
iii
PREFACE .............................................................................................................................................. I
Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................................. i
Trademarks ................................................................................................................................................ i
Copyright ................................................................................................................................................... i
REVISION TABLE ................................................................................................................................. II
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 6
Supported Systems ................................................................................................................ 6
Supported Devices ................................................................................................................. 6
Utilities Summary .................................................................................................................. 7
Special Notice ........................................................................................................................ 8
2. BASIC CONFIGURATION (PCIMSET) .................................................................................. 9
Checking Utility Information ................................................................................................. 9
2.1.1. Device Information ................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.2. Application Version ............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.3. Open Default Export File Folder .......................................................................................... 10
Refresh and Reset Device .................................................................................................... 10
Diagnostic ............................................................................................................................ 11
2.3.1. Open Short Test ................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.2. Noise Level .......................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.3. 3D Module of Touch Signal .................................................................................................. 17
Parameters .......................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.1. Main Features ...................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.2. Interface Parameters ........................................................................................................... 21
2.4.3. Panel Parameters ................................................................................................................ 22
2.4.4. Finger Parameters ............................................................................................................... 22
2.4.5. Water Handling ................................................................................................................... 23
iv
2.4.6. Anti-Noise Parameters ........................................................................................................ 24
2.4.7. Coordinate Parameters ....................................................................................................... 24
Field Update ........................................................................................................................ 28
2.5.1. Load Firmware File .............................................................................................................. 29
2.5.2. Update Firmware ................................................................................................................. 29
Draw .................................................................................................................................... 31
Debug .................................................................................................................................. 34
2.7.1. Reset Touch Panel ............................................................................................................... 34
2.7.2. Log Current Device Information .......................................................................................... 35
2.7.3. Show Notifications of Water Detection ............................................................................... 35
2.7.4. Touch and Halt .................................................................................................................... 36
3. FIRMWARE UPDATE (PMUPDATE) ................................................................................. 37
Basic Operation ................................................................................................................... 37
Connect Devices .................................................................................................................. 38
Load Firmware File .............................................................................................................. 39
Load Parameter Settings ..................................................................................................... 41
3.4.1. Load Parameter File ............................................................................................................. 41
3.4.2. Save Parameter File ............................................................................................................. 42
3.4.3. Reload Boot Default Parameter .......................................................................................... 42
Program Device ................................................................................................................... 43
3.5.1. Skip Check Update Result .................................................................................................... 44
3.5.2. Update Success Messages ................................................................................................... 44
3.5.3. Update Failure Messages .................................................................................................... 45
Utilize Auto Update ............................................................................................................. 45
Update Counter ................................................................................................................... 46
Command Line Support ....................................................................................................... 46
4. ON-SITE DEBUG HELPER (PMTOOLKIT) ........................................................................... 48
v
Reset Touch Panel ............................................................................................................... 48
Log Firmware Information ................................................................................................... 48
Show Notifications of Water Detection ............................................................................... 49
5. DIAGNOSIS (PCISCAN) .................................................................................................... 51
Connect Devices .................................................................................................................. 51
Diagnose (Open-Short Test) ................................................................................................ 52
5.2.1. Save Test Results ................................................................................................................. 53
Drawing Test ........................................................................................................................ 54
Noise Level .......................................................................................................................... 54
5.4.1. Execute test ......................................................................................................................... 55
5.4.2. Test Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 55
6
1. Introduction
This document provides information on using PenMount utilities to determine touch device settings and
perform updates and tests.
Supported Systems PenMount PCI Utilities can operate in the operating systems listed below:
Types Operating Systems
Desktop
Windows XP (32/64bit)
Windows Vista (32/64 bit)
Windows 7 (32/64 bit)
Windows 8/8.1 (32/64 bit)*
Windows 10 (32/64bit)
Server
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2008 / R2
Windows Server 2012 / R2
Windows Server 2016
Embedded
Windows XP Embedded
Windows Embedded Standard 2009
Windows Embedded Standard / POSReady 7
Windows Embedded 8 Standard / Industry
Supported Devices The devices and interfaces supported by PenMount PCI Utilities are as follows:
Series Control Board USB RS-232 /
UART
I2C 2
PenMount P2-02 Series PM1100 v
PM2101 v v
PenMount P2-03 Series PM1200 v v
2 PenMount PCI I²C can only be set on Windows by using the PMT101 Adapter Plate.
7
PM1201A v v
PM2201 v v v
PenMount P2-04 Series
PM1300A v
PM1302 v v v
PM1302B v
PM1400A v v
PM1401 v v
PM1401A v v
PM1500 v v v
PenMount P2-06 Series
PM1110A v
PM1210 v v v
PM2103 v v v
PM2203 v v v
PM2203B v v v
PM2203C v
PM2300 v v v
PM2351 v
PenMount P2-08 Series
PM1310 v v v
PM1410 v v v
PM1710 v v
PM1711 v v
Utilities Summary The main functions of the PenMount PCI utilities are summarized in the table below.
Utility Usage Applied Version Notes
PCIMSet Basic firmware
configuration
2.1.x
PMUpdate Firmware update 1.4.x
PMToolKit Real-time helper
functions
1.1 Needs installation, runs
at system startup
PCIScan Diagnostic 1.3x
8
Special Notice PenMount utilities can only support the setting and operation of one single device at one time.
All PenMount Utilities can't be opened simultaneously, user will get the following message instead.
Figure 1
9
2. Basic Configuration (PCIMSet)
The PCIMSet primarily modifies the controller’s firmware parameter settings and confirms firmware version
when the user is integrating or operating PCI touch panels.
Checking Utility Information Application version, and other useful information are listed under the “Information” page.
FIGURE 2
2.1.1. Device Information
The connected device information consists of several parts:
Master / Slave Firmware Version
It is the firmware version of the connected device
Host Interface
It is the connected interface. Most P2-06 and P2-08 devices supports interface auto detection.
Port Index
It is the connected port index. For example, when using UART / RS-232 interface, the Port Index 1 means
that device is connected to COM1.
10
Panel Information
It is the configuration of panel size and cover lens thickness.
2.1.2. Application Version
It is the version of the utility.
2.1.3. Open Default Export File Folder
Pressing this button will open the file manager and allow user to browse the test results, parameters, and
other files generated by PCIUtility. By default, the directory is located at:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\PenMount Utility
FIGURE 3
Refresh and Reset Device
If device is not connected when utility starts up, it can still automatically detects when device is attached with
USB interface, or user can press the “Refresh” button for manually detecting RS-232 / UART devices.
Please notice that is no device is connected, only “Refresh”, and “Information” pages can be accessed.
11
Figure 4
Diagnostic The PCIUtility provides standard product testing procedures, including:
Open-Short Test: test the electrical functions of PCI touch panels
Noise Level: detect the size and area of the PCI touchscreen influenced by noise interference
FIGURE 5
Please notice that you are using a customized PenMount firmware version, please use the corresponding
PCIScan utility for advanced inspection.
2.3.1. Open Short Test
The “Open Short” tests sensor and driver pins for possible open / short issues. To make sure the accuracy of
the test, please avoid any touch action after the test is running.
Click the “Start” button, it will start electrical detection on the touchscreens. When a single test is running,
status will be “START” and “progress” will rise from the bottom to the top.
12
FIGURE 6
Once detection is completed, the result will appear as the status. If the touchscreen is normal, PASS will be
displayed. If it is abnormal, FAIL will be displayed. To the right side of the Status field is the “Pass & Fail” field,
indicating the number of Passes or Fails after the program starts to run detection
FIGURE 7
Meanwhile, the status of the touchscreen is shown at the right side of the window. Green means the node is
normal and red means abnormal.
FIGURE 8
2.3.1.1. Test Result & Analysis
When diagnose ends, the program displays messages for each failed testing items:
13
FIGURE 9
The table below lists possible messages.
Message Description
PASS All test item passed
Debounce check fail Debounce Check failed
Driver check fail Driver Pins Abnormal Check failed
Sensor check fail Sensor Pins Abnormal Check failed
Self check fail Self-Signal Abnormal Check failed
Same check fail Same Raw Data Check failed
Illogical check fail Illegal Data Check failed
Absolute check fail Absolute Data Check failed
Sensor short! There are shorted sensors
Base Update was stop!! Live test fails. It detects base update has
stopped abnormally
2.3.1.2. Save Test Results
If the touch panel shows “signal abnormal,” you can save the results into a file and provide it to PenMount for
further analysis. You can click “Save” after the test is completed. The “Target Folder” button allows changing
the target folder for saving test results.
14
FIGURE 10
Then, the dialogue box below will appear. The user has to enter “Batch Number 1” and click OK to save. We
suggest using the touch panel number as the “Batch Number” for future identification. The program will save
the test results either in the “TestPass” or “TestFail” folder based on the test results under the name
$ProductNumber_$BatchNumber_$Month$Day$Hour$Minute$Second”.csv.
2.3.1.3. Test Log
The program will save the detected signal in the format of CSV file. The CSV is a text file, which can be opened
with spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.;
Basic data
The beginning of the CSV file records data for the corresponding touch panel and controller. You can also
see the threshold value for the test.
FIGURE 11
RawData
The CSV contains several sets of raw data which are the basis for judgment for each test.
15
FIGURE 12
Raw data is a arranged in a two-dimensional array, which corresponds to the nodes on the sensor and
the driver pin. The nodes with * are abnormal. From the raw data, you can presume the reason for the
abnormality. In the example below, there is obviously less raw data coming from the nodes marked
abnormal than the surrounding nodes.
FIGURE 13
PDData
This is the raw data used during the “Illegal Data Check”.
SectData
This is the sector scan result. For reference only.
SelfData
This is the abnormal scan result. For reference only.
16
2.3.2. Noise Level
The Noise Test mainly evaluates the degree of noise interference impact on the touch panel. Usually noise will
affect measurement and a large fluctuations will be produced. The program will display the “noise level”
interface:
FIGURE 14
2.3.2.1. Execute test
Please click “Start” on the left side of the window to start running the test. To ensure test accuracy, please
avoid any touch input during the test.
During this period of time, progress will be displayed in the window caption. All other utility features will
temporarily be disabled during the test.
For testing LCD noise interference with a specific display patterns, please change the “Test Pattern”. Currently
“White”, “Black”, and “Checkerboard” is supported. Please beware that after pressing “Start” button, the LCD
will display the specified pattern in full screen mode until test finishes.
FIGURE 15
17
2.3.2.2. Test Analysis
According to the standard deviation calculated from the raw data, the program will categorized the nodes on
the touch panel as “Best”, “Normal,” and “Noisy” and mark them respectively in white, blue, and red.
FIGURE 16
The right side of the program indicates the degree of signal changes in the nodes on the touch panel. The node
marked with a red circle indicates a greater change in the signal value measured on this node and it may be
unstable.
To give the user a better idea of overall signal changes, the program will analyze and show the surrounding
criteria, and classified in 5 levels: “GREAT”, “GOOD”, “OK”, “POOR”, and “BAD.”
FIGURE 17
Generally speaking, please try to lower the noise influence by increasing the air gap between touch panel and
LCD, and let the surrounding criteria to be a least “OK” level.
2.3.3. 3D Module of Touch Signal
Pressing the “3D Module” button launches the 3D module for inspecting touch or noise signal. Please prepare
a mouse or keyboard before launching this feature, because touch will be disabled during the whole process.
18
FIGURE 18
The program will use different colors to show the signal strength.
Colors Signals
Cyan Larger positive signals, possibly identified as finger
touch
Blue Smaller positive signals, usually caused by
environmental noise
White Normal signal and No touch
Magenta Smaller negative signals, usually caused by
environmental noise
Red Larger negative signals, possibly caused by water,
etc.
The 3D module supports several hotkey listed in the table below.
Colors Actions
top 5 degree X axis counterclockwise rotation
down 5 degree X axis clockwise rotation
left 5 degree Y axis counterclockwise rotation
19
right 5 degree Y axis clockwise rotation
+ Zoom in
- Zoom out
O Restore to default angle: 225 degree X axis
counterclockwise rotation, 270 degree Z axis
clockwise rotation
B Reinitialize the base signal
C Change displayed mode.
Mode
Mode 1
Mode 2
20
Parameters Parameters provides an interface to flexibility fine tuning the PenMount firmware settings.
FIGURE 19
2.4.1. Main Features
The Parameters configuration interfaces includes following features.
1. The Parameters Panel
The parameters are categorized into different tabs. For example, parameters related to anti-noise layout
can be found in the “Ant-Noise” tab. When adjusting a parameter, its feature and side effect will show up
for quick reference.
FIGURE 20
21
Any parameter that is not displayed also indicates that it is not adjustable. In the following example,
when using older firmware versions such as PM1410, the utility does not display “Interface” tab, because
manually assigning interface is not supported.
Figure 21
2. The Apply Button
Any parameter change needs to be saved by pressing the “Apply” button. This might also reset the device
if necessary.
3. Import Parameters
Sets up device by selecting a “PMP” format file in the “Open” dialog window.
4. Export Parameters
Saves active device settings to a “PMP” format file. The “PMP” file stores binary data, and cannot be
edited with text editors directly.
5. Reload Default Parameters
Reset all parameter changes and use the firmware default value. Some configurations, however, such as
touch panel size and cover lens thickness will still be kept.
2.4.2. Interface Parameters
User can manually specify the connection interface when using PenMount COF products. For control boards,
since the firmware can automatically detect connection interfaces, this field is not adjustable.
22
Figure 22
2.4.3. Panel Parameters
The panel tab allows users to specify the desired panel size, either from a preset or from manually setting up
the skipped driver / sensor pins.
FIGURE 23
Standard PenMount firmware versions supports a number of panel sizes and cover lens thickness. By selecting
a preset, firmware will apply different configurations on parameters.
1. Panel Size
Each PenMount firmware supports several panel size presets. For example, choosing the ‘P3030 12.1”
(W)’ will setup firmware parameters to support the AMT P3030 12.1-inch touch panel.
If your touch panel is not listed, please consider manually setting up the “Skip Driver” / “Used Driver” /
“Skip Sensor” / “Used Sensor” combination.
2. Cover Lens
Each PenMount firmware supports several cover lens thickness parameters, and the standard ones are:
1.1mm, 1.8mm, and 2.8mm. Please choose one with the nearest thickness from the list.
For thicker cover lens support, PenMount provides special firmware that supports thicker cover lenses
up to 6.0mm. Users can also manually change “Scan” parameters to increase sensitivity and stability.
2.4.4. Finger Parameters
The parameters in this tab are for tuning finger detection.
23
FIGURE 24
2.4.4.1. Sensitivity
Touch sensitivity can be adjusted with a slider. User can either use the slider or press the “Insensitive”
and “Sensitive” buttons. By default, the sensitivity level is 0, setting to positive values increases the
sensitivity and setting to negative values decreases sensitivity.
2.4.4.2. Touch Points
The maximum contact number limits how many touch contacts will be reported to the system. For
example, if the value is 1, it means that the device supports single touch only, and other touch signals
will not be sent to the system. This value will also be displayed in the Windows “System” Control Panel
item.
For a standard PenMount firmware, this value is adjustable. But the maximum value range is still limited
by the firmware default. For example, if the firmware can support a maximum of 5 contacts, users
cannot set this value to 10.
2.4.5. Water Handling
The PenMount firmware supports two different water handling modes: Water Detection (WD), and Water
Performance (WP).
FIGURE 25
Users need to choose one of the supported modes, or “OFF”, if water handling is not the main concern.
Modes Water Handling
Water Detection Mode Stop report any touch data
24
Water Performance Mode Supports touch in dry area, lock to single touch if water can cause false
touch points
2.4.6. Anti-Noise Parameters
In anti-noise parameter tab, users can configure the “low pass filter” to decrease the impact of noise.
FIGURE 26
PenMount firmware uses a low pass filter to eliminate the influence of noise jitter. Choosing a stronger value
will cause slower signal changes.
Please note that the lower filter value can affect the base update time in KBU (keep base update) mode, so it
needs to be fine-tuned for the best result.
Low Pass Filter Keep Base Update Speed
Weak Fast
Strong Slow
2.4.7. Coordinate Parameters
After the PenMount firmware applies the low pass, smoothing, and other filters to the sensed touch data, it
will proceed to the final step to use the parameters in the “coordinate” tab to map to the user specified
display size, before sending them to the system.
FIGURE 27
25
2.4.7.1. Calibration
Although the term “calibration” for some P-CAP devices means calibrate the “base signal“ for the current
environment, for PenMount it means calibrate the coordinates of the touch area to match the user defined
region.
By default, the PenMount firmware maps the whole touch panel active area to the display, which means when
touching the top left corner, it sends (0,0) as its position, and sends (2047, 2047) for the lower right corner.
FIGURE 28
There are two common cases that need calibration:
(1) When Touch panel is larger than the LCD
On systems that use touch panels larger than the actual display size, the display will be mapped to the
part of the touch panel from (min_x, min_y) to (max_x, max_y).
FIGURE 29
(2) When Using Front Bezel
On systems with displays designed with a front bezel, it can be harder for fingers to reach the edges. The
touch position reported by firmware is near the center of a finger, and in the following diagram, it’s
represented min “min_x”.
=
(0, 0)
(2047, 2047)
>
(0, 0)
(2047, 2047)
(max_x, max_y)
(min_x, min_y)
26
FIGURE 30
Calibration can be completed by:
(1) Manually setting up the minimum and maximum values for the X and Y axes.
The values should be calculated and converted to a 0 to 2047 range.
(2) Pressing the “Calibration” button to launch the helper UI.
(1) Data Collection Stage
Please follow the instructions on screen by pressing the two red squares in top-left and bottom-right
corner. The program will calculate the minimum and maximum values for the X and Y axes when finished.
LCD
bezel
[0]
Touch Panel (Active Area)
min_x
finger
width
width * 5%
height * 5%
height
Please click red target.
27
FIGURE 31
The “inward” setting helps users touch the red square easier, especially when performing calibration on a
LCD with front bezels.
(2) Test Stage
The calibration UI proceeds to the test stage after it collects the minimum and maximum axes values.
During this stage, there is a third red square and users must press it. This stage can be skipped by pressing
the F10 key. The firmware will automatically apply new settings if users skip the test, or when the test is
successful.
FIGURE 32
If the test fails, the program will prompt for another confirmation and users can still choose to apply the
calibration result by pressing the “yes” button on screen.
FIGURE 33
2.4.7.2. Edge Compensation
When the PenMount controller is released from the factory, the firmware’s default active area setting for the
LCD monitor corresponds to that of the touch panel and the active areas sizes of hardware and software are
the same. However, due to resolution, the active areas for hardware and software can be slightly different. To
adjust this, please click “Edge Compensation”.
28
When the edges of the touch panels do not function smoothly, please set the edge compensation value higher
to improve functionality.
2.4.7.3. Orientation
The firmware supports four rotational degrees listed in the table below.
Orientation Rotational Degree (Counter Clockwise)
Landscape 0
Portrait 90
Landscape (Flipped) 180
Portrait (Flipped) 270
Please notice that the 0 degree of a touch panel is defined as the diagram below, which “tail” is on the bottom
side.
FIGURE 34
Field Update The field update page supports basic firmware update functionality.
29
FIGURE 35
2.5.1. Load Firmware File
Please press “Load PMF” under “Field Update” and click the file you want to update in the dialogue box.
FIGURE 36
The format of the firmware supported by PenMount is suitable for “pmf format” for one single IC and “pmc
format” for multiple ICs.
Please notice if the firmware file is not consistent with the controller connected during the update, the
update will not proceed.
2.5.2. Update Firmware
After you load firmware files, please click “Update” button to proceed.
During the update, all the button settings will be locked temporarily to prevent update failure due to
inadvertent selection.
30
FIGURE 37
Please wait until update reaches 100%. During the update, please do not interrupt the power supply. After the
firmware update is completed, you will see the “PASS” mark.
FIGURE 38
If the update fails due to an unavoidable factor, you will see the “FAIL” mark and the error messages.
FIGURE 39
If this happens, you will find firmware info remains in “Boot Loader” mode. You can click the “Update” button
again to restart the update process.
31
Draw The Drawing Test mainly examines whether breaking or point hopping will occur when drawing lines and
provides a mechanism for measuring sample rate. Please click “Draw Test” in “Advanced test” and PCIScan will
try to run “pmDraw3.exe.”
Item Description
Operating systems Windows XP and later versions
Support Index1 1P Black
2P Red
3P Green
4P Blue
5P Magenta
6P Cyan
7P Brown
8P Yellow
9P Purple
10P Orange
Switch to Draw Mode “D” key
Switch to Touch Mode “T” key
Sample Rate Test Hotkey “S” key
Clear Screen “Space” key
Toggle Full Screen “F” key
The program will show a white canvas in full screen mode, allowing the user to test the touch drawing feature.
If you need the advanced functions, please click “Press and Hold” with your finger or click the right mouse
button for the functions as indicated below:
32
FIGURE 40
Draw Mode
Switch to draw mode. In this mode, the program will label touch points in different colors.
FIGURE 41
Touch Mode
Switch to touch mode. In this mode, only the touch point location of your finger is shown.
33
FIGURE 42
Sample Rate
After touch input, it will take approximately one second for the program to calculate and show the
Sample Rate of each touch point. For example, Point 0: 116 means 116 points per second. When the
Sample Rate is higher, drawing will be more precise.
FIGURE 43
Clear
Clean the canvas.
34
Full Screen or Restore
Switch between full screen display and windowed display.
Exit
Exit the program.
Note: After entering pmDraw3, please do not connect or disconnect devices. Otherwise, touch will not
function.
Debug The debug panel provides several features assisting for analysis touch status and debug touch issues.
2.7.1. Reset Touch Panel
Choosing this option will force the PenMount touch device to be reinitialized. There will be a message box
asking for user confirmation, please choose “Yes” to perform device reset and wait until the “Reset touch
panel finish” message appears.
35
FIGURE 44
Reset touch panel may help resolve some touch malfunction issues when being affected by environmental
changes such as temperature, water, or noise.
2.7.2. Log Current Device Information
Choosing this option will save firmware information to file which can be provided to the PenMount team for
issue debugging. Due to the amount of information, the process could take several seconds. Please wait for
the “Write log finish” message to appear.
FIGURE 45
The firmware information is saved as “<Model> Firmware Information.csv” file in the program directory. For
example, when using PM1410, the file name will be “PM1410 Firmware Information.log”. The file consists of
the useful information for debugging touch issues.
2.7.3. Show Notifications of Water Detection
When firmware is using “Water Detection” mode, touch will be disabled when firmware detects water on
touch panel surface.
Choosing the “Show Notification” option enables more conspicuous notifications when touch is disabled. The
warning dialog box will disappear after several seconds.
36
FIGURE 46
2.7.4. Touch and Halt
The touch and halt feature is supported by latest PenMount firmware, which is used for debugging touch
issues. If this field is grayed-out, it means that the firmware does not support this feature.
After being enabled, each touch operation will trigger the firmware to cease scanning, and allow the utility to
retrieve most accurate information from device. A dialog will show up and ask user to save the information.
FIGURE 47
37
3. Firmware Update (PMUpdate)
The PMUpdate utility enables the user to change controller firmware version or update controller parameter
settings.
Basic Operation When the PMUpdate is running, the user can see the default “Field Update and Parameter Update” as follows:
FIGURE 48
1. Switch modes
To meet the needs of various users, the “Update” program provides “Field Update Only” mode options.
Field Update Only
In this mode, only the interface related to firmware update will appear.
38
FIGURE 49
2. AP Version
The Update version number. If you encounter any problems when using Update, please make note of this
number and inform PenMount.
3. Exit
Press “Exit” or “X” at the top right corner to exit the program. In order to make sure update is not
interrupted, please do not click “Exit”.
Connect Devices When the program is activated, it will search for PenMount devices connected by USB or through COM1. If the
detection is successful, firmware information will appear in “Firmware Info.” When you start the program, if
devices are not connected properly, there are several ways to handle the situation according to the connecting
interface used:
USB
Owing to the characteristics of USB –plug and play, the program will automatically detect after you
connect the device.
RS-232
If you connect the PenMount device to a COM Port that is not COM1, please choose the port according to
the steps indicated in the following figure and press “Get FW Version” to update firmware information.
39
FIGURE 50
The firmware information shown by the program includes the following columns:
1. Panel Size
The part no. and size of the touch panel the PenMount controller corresponds to, such as AMT’s P3021
10.1” touch panels.
2. Cover Lens
The top glass thicknesses supported by the PenMount controller such as the 1.1mm thick top glass as
indicated above.
3. Firmware
This shows PenMount controller firmware version and Boot Loader version. If the controller uses several
ICs, it will respectively show the number of the master and slave versions.
Load Firmware File Please press “Load PMF” under “Field Update” and click the file you want to update in the dialogue box.
FIGURE 51
40
The format of the firmware supported by PenMount is suitable for “pmf format” for one single IC and “pmc
format” for multiple ICs.
FIGURE 52
If the reading is successful, the information below will appear under “Field Update Result”.
FIGURE 53
At the same time, the program will show the version no. of the firmware file as follows:
FIGURE 54
If the reading fails as a result of file damage, which is rare, information as indicated below will appear under
“Field Update Result”:
FIGURE 55
41
Please note that the firmware the program cannot forcibly load by during loading is identical with the
controller. If the firmware file is not consistent with the controller connected during the update, the update
will fail.
FIGURE 56
Load Parameter Settings In addition to firmware, the Update program also enables the parameter updates.
FIGURE 57
The PenMount parameter setting program is a text file with a slave filename of INI, usually provided by
PenMount. It saves the controller parameter settings to meet the individual needs of customers. For instance,
the parameter file for PM1410 V2.1.0 is indicated below:
FIGURE 58
3.4.1. Load Parameter File
The user can click “Load Parameter File” to load the parameter settings provided by PenMount. When loading
is successful, the information below will appear in “Para Update Result”:
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FIGURE 59
If the file format chosen is not correct, the information below will appear in “Para Update Result”:
FIGURE 60
Please note that the parameter file not loaded forcibly during loading should be identical with the controller
connected. The firmware version corresponding to the parameter file during update should be consistent with
the controller, or the update will fail.
FIGURE 61
3.4.2. Save Parameter File
This program allows the user to export the parameters the controller adopts to a file. Please click “Save
Parameter File,” the program will automatically generate a file with the name of the firmware version in
“PmFu_ParaList.” For instance, the file name for PM1410.2.1.0 is 1410_2_1_0.ini.
FIGURE 62
3.4.3. Reload Boot Default Parameter
There are two kinds of firmware parameters, “application” and “bootloader”. By default, the update utility
updates the “application” parameters, and keeps all “bootloaders” parameter s. While “bootloader”
parameters remain the same, the firmware keeps using the “screen rotation”, “water handling mode” settings
after update.
In some cases that configurations in new firmware is preferred, users can check the “Reload Boot Default
Parameter” option to update part of the “bootloader” parameters. The table below summaries the reloaded
parameters.
Parameter Option Unchecked Option Checked
Interface Keep Keep
Panel Size Keep Keep
Cover Lens Thickness Keep Keep
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Water handling mode Keep
Reloaded
(Use new firmware default)
Screen Rotation Keep
Reloaded
(Use new firmware default)
Maximum Touch Count Keep
Reloaded
(Use new firmware default)
Sensitivity Keep
Reloaded
(Use new firmware default)
Low Pass Filter Keep
Reloaded
(Use new firmware default)
Active Area Calibration
(if supported)
Keep
Reloaded
(Use new firmware default)
* Please note that if you load the parameter file “INI” and click “Reload Boot Default Parameter” at the
same time, the update will be made according to the settings in the “INI”.
Program Device After you load firmware and parameter files, please click “Program (Reconnect)” to update. If you load
firmware and parameter files at the same time, please click “Program”. The program will update the firmware
first, and then proceed to update parameters.
FIGURE 63
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During the update, all the button settings will be locked temporarily to prevent update failure due to
inadvertent selection. Please wait until update reaches 100%, shown in the top left corner. During the update,
please do not interrupt the power supply.
FIGURE 64
3.5.1. Skip Check Update Result
The update utility checks the update result after all data transferred to device. In some occasion when
interface changes, the program might stock in this phase. In this case, please press the “Skip Check Result”
button to proceed.
FIGURE 65
3.5.2. Update Success Messages
After the firmware update is completed, you will see the “PASS” mark.
FIGURE 66
After parameters are updated, you will see the following information appear in “Para Update Result”:
FIGURE 67
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3.5.3. Update Failure Messages
If the update fails due to an unavoidable factor, you will see the “FAIL” mark and the error messages.
FIGURE 68
If this happens, you will find firmware info remains in “Boot Loader” mode. You can click “Program” again to
start burning.
FIGURE 69
Utilize Auto Update You can either click “Program” to start the update by hand or “Program/Write Parameter to Device” has the
“auto update” option for large updates.
FIGURE 70
1. USB
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For the USB interface, please click “Auto Program to Device.” As long as the firmware or parameter file is
loaded once after clicking, the program will automatically start updating when it detects a connected
corresponding PenMount USB.
2. RS-232
The RS-232 interface does not have the “Plug and Play” feature. Therefore, click “Detect Device Per n
(s)” to switch to auto update. After clicking, the program will countdown until the number of the seconds
in the “dialogue box” becomes “0”. The program will then check the designated COM Port. If it finds the
connected controller connection is compatible, it will start updating.
By default, the program will check every 8 seconds. The user can set the time interval to allow enough
time to switch out controllers. If you want to cancel auto update, just unclick “Auto Program to
Device”or“Detect Device Per (S)”.
Update Counter The value of update counter is useful for inspecting the batch update result.
FIGURE 71
The counter value should change when:
1. When the “Reload Boot Default Parameter” option is checked, counter will increase only when firmware is
not using default values.
2. When a parameter file is specified, counter will increase only when firmware is using different parameter
values.
3. When firmware file is specified, counter will increase only when updating to different firmware versions.
4. When clicking on the “Reset Counter Button”, the value will be reset to 0.
Command Line Support The PMUpdate utility supports several parameters listed in the table below.
Options Description
<filepath> If the specified file path is a “pmf” or “pmc” file, the utility will perform firmware update.
-a Enables “Auto programming” option.
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-b Enables “Reload Boot Default Parameter” option.
-com[x] Assign COM[x] as the default COM Port for searching PenMount devices.
-p <filepath> If the specified file path is a “ini” file for parameter, the utility will perform parameter
update.
-s “Silent mode”, do not display update GUI.
-c Close program after firmware update completes.
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4. On-Site Debug Helper (PMToolKit)
The PMToolkit is a helper utility that shows touch panel status to users and provides information for
debugging. After installation, the utility will start automatically when system starts, and there will be a “PT”
icon in the notification area of the system tray. The function menu will pop up after clicking on the icon.
FIGURE 72
Reset Touch Panel Choosing this option will force the PenMount touch device to be reinitialized. There will be a message box
asking for user confirmation, please choose “Yes” to perform device reset and wait until the “Reset touch
panel finish” message appears.
FIGURE 73
Reset touch panel may help resolve some touch malfunction issues when being affected by environmental
changes such as temperature, water, or noise.
Log Firmware Information Choosing this option will save firmware information to file which can be provided to the PenMount team for
issue debugging. Due to the amount of information, the process could take several seconds. Please wait for
the “Write log finish” message to appear.
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FIGURE 74
The firmware information is saved as “<Model> Firmware Information.log” file in theprogram directory. For
example, when using PM1410, the file name will be “PM1410 Firmware Information.log”. The file consists of
the following information.
Information Type Fields Description
Version OS Version
Master Version
Slave Version
The operating system version and firmware
version
Configuration Panel Information
Cover Lens
Firmware configurations of panel and cover
lens
Flags PCIM_FLAG
PCIM_STAT
PCIM_STAT2
PCIM_DIAG
Firmware flags and status
Parameter AP Parameter
Boot Parameter
Debug Parameter
Slave Parameter
The AP, Boot, slave and debug parameter
values
Signals Base Line
Raw Count
The base line and five sets of raw data
Show Notifications of Water Detection When firmware is using “Water Detection” mode, touch will be disabled when firmware detects water on
touch panel surface. The PMToolKit will automatically update its icon in the notification area.
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Icon Status
Touch is disabled
Touch is enabled
Choosing the “Show Notification” option enables more conspicuous notifications when touch is disabled. The
warning dialog box will disappear after several seconds.
FIGURE 75
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5. Diagnosis (PCIScan)
The “PCIScan” utility provides standard product testing procedures. It supports:
Diagnose: test the electrical functions of PCI touch panels
Draw Test: performs drawing test for PCI touchscreens
Noise Level: detect the size and area of the PCI touchscreen influenced by noise interference
Note: if using a custom PenMount firmware version, please use the corresponding custom PCIScan for
inspection.
Connect Devices When the program is running, by default, it will try to detect PenMount devices connected through USB and
COM1. When detection is successful, the connection status will show “Connect” and firmware information will
appear in “information”.
FIGURE 76
If the device is not connected when the program starts or it needs a batch test, there will be different ways of
testing for different interfaces.
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4. USB
The program can automatically detect the connection of the device, showing “Connect” or “Disconnect”.
5. RS-232
Please set the port number in ”Com Port”, then click “Reconnect”. If the program detects the device
successfully, “Connect” will appear.
Diagnose (Open-Short Test) “Diagnose” tests sensor and driver pins for possible open / short issues. To make sure the accuracy of the test,
please avoid any touch action after the test is running.
Click “Start” under “Diagnose”, it will start electrical detection on the touchscreens.
FIGURE 77
When a single test is running, status will be Start and “progress” will rise from the bottom to the top.
FIGURE 78
Once detection is completed, the result will appear as the status. If the touchscreen is normal, PASS will be
displayed. If it is abnormal, FAIL will be displayed. To the right side of the Status field is the “Pass & Fail” field,
indicating the number of Passes or Fails after the program starts to run detection
FIGURE 79
Meanwhile, the status of the touchscreen is shown at the right side of the window. Green means the node is
normal and red means abnormal.
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FIGURE 80
5.2.1. Save Test Results
If the touch panel does not pass the Diagnose test, you can save the results into a file and provide it to
PenMount for further analysis. You can click “Save” after the test is completed.
FIGURE 81
Then, the dialogue box below will appear. The user has to enter “Batch Number 1” and click OK to save. We
suggest using the touch panel number as the “Batch Number” for future identification.
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FIGURE 82
The program will save the test results either in the “TestPass” or “TestFail” folder based on the test results
under the name $ProductNumber_$BatchNumber_$Month$Day$Hour$Minute$Second”.csv.
Drawing Test The Drawing Test mainly examines whether breaking or point hopping will occur when drawing lines and
provides a mechanism for measuring sample rate. Please click “Draw Test” in “Advanced test” and PCIScan will
try to run “pmDraw3.exe.”
Please refer to section 2.6 for more information about the drawing utility.
Noise Level The Noise Test mainly evaluates the degree of noise interference impact on the touch panel. Usually noise will
affect measurement and a large fluctuations will be produced. If you need to run this test, please click “Noise
Level” in “Advanced test”. The program will display the “noise level” interface:
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FIGURE 83
5.4.1. Execute test
Please click “Start” on the left side of the window to start running the test. To ensure test accuracy, please
avoid any touch input during the test.
FIGURE 84
Each test will take some time and the program will obtain 50 raw data points for evaluation by default. During
this period of time, progress will be displayed in the window caption. Based on these 50 raw data points, the
program will calculate standard deviation and determine noise interference.
FIGURE 85
Note: Program progress will return to 0/50 and repeat the evaluation until the user clicks “Cancel”.
5.4.2. Test Analysis
According to the standard deviation calculated from the raw data, the program will categorized the nodes on
the touch panel as “Best”, “Normal,” and “Not good” and mark them respectively in white, blue, and red.
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FIGURE 86
The right side of the program indicates the degree of signal changes in the nodes on the touch panel. The one
with the greatest change will be marked with a bigger circle. The node marked with a red circle indicates a
greater change in the signal value measured on this node and it may be unstable.
FIGURE 87
To give the user a better idea of overall signal changes, the program will show the average, the maximum, and
the minimum in the left lower corner of the program. Generally speaking, the smaller the value, the more
stable the signal.
FIGURE 88
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When the user moves the mouse cursor to the node, the standard deviation of the node will appear in the left
lower corner of the window.
FIGURE 89
Generally speaking, the node with the red circle may be under the influence of noise interference and a false
signal point generated. Therefore, it requires enhanced protection, for example lowering the influence of
interference sources.
